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The importance of service on a vehicle cannot be stressed enough. Service should be done on a regular basis, and the timing depends upon factors such as the age of your vehicle and what you put it through. If you want to be a responsible Kia owner, it is important to understand the timelines of care. Kia service stations and dealerships can only assist when you know when to take your vehicle in. Kia Service FAQs: How Often Should You Get a Checkup From Your Kia Dealer? more The Plugs Regular maintenance on spark plugs is very important. Spark plugs eventually wear out from normal driving, and this can cause problems with engine function. Typically, when a spark plug is done, the check engine light will come on and alert you to the problem—though every vehicle is different as to if and how this alert occurs. According to experts, spark plugs typically fail at around 100,000 miles. Your Kia should be serviced accordingly. Timing Belt The timing belt is another item that needs to be serviced regularly on a vehicle. Unlike other maintenance your Kia requires, the timing belt does not have to be looked at as often. It is recommended by driving experts that the timing belt be inspected between 75,000 miles and 100,000 miles. Again, this will be dependent on the type of Kia you are driving and the overall wear and tear you are putting it through. Oil Change Oil changes are a crucial part of regular vehicular maintenance and one you have likely heard about. An oil change cleans debris and dirt from the oil that is used to power your engine. If not cleaned, these tiny particles can do big damage. Timing for regular oil changes for your Kia can vary based upon type and model of vehicle. As a general rule of thumb, though, the oil should be changed every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Air Filter The air filter helps the engine to function properly. If the filter becomes clogged with soot, dirt, or debris, the engine is not able to breathe. As such, it can malfunction or overheat. Because the air filter needs to be changed at least once every 15,000 miles or so, people often coordinate these changes with their scheduled oil changes. Time to Service While routine maintenance on your Kia is important, it is equally important to look and listen to any changes in your vehicle. Whether it is a new noise or something that just doesn't "feel" right, take your vehicle into a service shop as soon as you can. Letting any problem go now can lead to worse problems later on, and these can be very costly. If your miles have ticked away and you are ready for a tune-up—or new vehicle—come down to see us at Burns Kia. Conveniently located near Charleston, our dealership has everything you need to get your car running great. Full service is available on-site with both finance and sales departments ready to serve you: we are your one-stop-shop for all things Kia!

Most cars come standard with power steering these days, but what exactly does that mean? Here’s a closer look at what power steering is and how it works. more How Power Steering Works Power steering is when hydraulic or electric actuators control energy to the steering mechanism. This means that the driver can use less effort to turn the steering wheels when driving at normal speeds. There are several parts involved in your car's power steering that help it function properly.   The pump provides the hydraulic power for the steering. This is controlled by the car's engine via a belt and pulley system. The pump has a set of retractable vanes that spin inside an oval-shaped chamber. As the vanes spin, they slowly pull hydraulic fluid in and then force it into the outlet at high pressure.   The next part that’s required in power steering is the rotary valve. The rotary valve senses force on the steering wheel. When you aren't using your steering wheel, you don't need power steering. It's only when you apply pressure that the rotary valve involves the rest of the power steering system. The steering gear is attached to the rotary valve. This helps the wheels turn without much effort. The History of Power Steering Power steering was first installed into a vehicle in 1876 by a man named Fitts. The next power steering system wasn't installed until 1903 when it was put in a Columbia five-ton truck. While many engineers tried to patent and manufacture other types of power steering for the commercial market after that, it wasn't until World War II that it was brought to the masses. During the war, the U.S. and British military wanted something that made it easier to steer the heavy armored cars and tanks.   The first commercial car company to debut power steering was Chrysler when it placed it in the Chrysler Imperial in 1951. General Motors then introduced it in its 1951 Cadillac models. Most new vehicles these days have power steering, with trends leaning toward front-wheel drive, wider tires, and greater vehicle mass, all of which increase the need for power steering assistance. What Would Driving Feel Like Without Power Steering? When power steering became standard in new vehicles, cars became heavier and lower to the ground. Trying to drive a modern car without power steering would be a tough workout and much more difficult than it was decades past.   Before power steering became the norm, cars usually had steering wheels that were much larger in diameter. This gave drivers a little bit more leverage when turning the wheel. Without power steering, you have to turn the wheel a lot more, and it takes much longer to turn than it does now. A car without power steering isn’t as responsive in turning or adjusting the wheels as a car with power steering.   Most seasoned drivers can remember a time when power steering was a luxury. Thanks to modern technology in auto manufacturing, driving is much easier and much more enjoyable. Image via Flickr by loubeat

One of the best things about buying a brand new car is not having to stress about breakdowns and costly repairs. However, that doesn't mean you don't have to worry about taking your car into the dealership at all. There are several important maintenance services that your Kia requires to keep it running at its best and to protect your warranty. The 15,000-mile service is the first significant tuneup your Kia will require. Read on to learn what Kia's 15,000-mile service package will include. Oil Change It's recommended to change your Kia's oil every 3,750 miles, so when it's time for your 15,000 mile service, your car will be ready for its fourth lifetime oil change. Engine oil lubricates the moving parts of your car's engine, and it's important to replace it regularly to ensure that the oil is clean and lubricating properly. This simple maintenance task goes a long way to keeping your car running smoothly and maximizing its lifespan. more As part of an oil change package at your Kia dealership, your old engine oil will be removed and replaced with new oil, and your oil filter will be replaced with a new genuine Kia oil filter. This also provides an opportunity for your local Kia technicians to check fluids like the window washer fluid and engine coolant, and top off as necessary. Cabin Air Filter Replacement Your car's cabin air filter is responsible for catching pollutants like dust, mold, insect debris, and other air contaminants before they pass through your car's A/C vents and into the air you breathe. Replacing your Kia's cabin air filter does more than keep the air inside of your car clean — it also helps prevent damage to your car's engine that can be caused by the A/C working too hard to move air through a clogged filter. Tire Inspection and Rotation As part of your 15,000-mile service package, your Kia dealership will inspect your car's tires for uneven wear and pressure, adjust the pressure as needed, and rotate your tires. Front tires tend to wear down more quickly than rear tires, so regular tire rotations are important to ensure an even amount of treadwear on all four tires. Rotating your tires not only extends their lifespan, but it also gives your mechanic an opportunity to catch treadwear patterns that could indicate a more significant problem with your vehicle. Visual Inspection In addition to the maintenance items listed above, when you bring your Kia to the dealer for a 15,000-mile service you'll also receive a full visual inspection of your vehicle by a Kia Certified Technician. We'll inspect your front suspension, battery, fuel tank and lines, and steering, and make sure your brakes are clean and wearing evenly. Our associates will review the inspection results with you, informing you of any additional recommended maintenance and answering any questions you may have. Don't neglect to have your Kia serviced by your dealer according to the Manufacturer's Recommended Maintenance Schedule. Regularly scheduled maintenance keeps your car operating in peak condition and lets you catch any minor problems before they turn into costly repairs. Looking to do a job yourself? Checkout our parts department to get high quality affordable parts.

Driving in heavy rain calls for extra caution on the road. While it's always best practice to stay home during bad weather when possible, sometimes you have no choice but to get behind the wheel. For those times, follow these six tips for driving in heavy rain. Slow Down Wet roads mean longer stopping distances and increased risk of accidents. Ensure that you stay in control of your vehicle and have plenty of time to react to sudden traffic changes by reducing your speed in heavy rain. Remember that the posted speed limit is an upper limit based on ideal driving conditions, and you'll typically need to drive slower than the speed limit in inclement weather. more Turn On Your Headlights Visibility decreases dramatically in heavy rain. It's not just your ability to see the road that's affected, but also other drivers' ability to see you. Turn on your headlights any time it's raining to make sure that other drivers can identify all four corners of your vehicle. Use your low beam headlights, so you don't accidentally blind other drivers. Give Yourself More Space You should always increase your following distance in the rain, and you should give yourself even more space when the rain is severe. Rear-end collisions are the most common accidents, and the risk is even greater in heavy rain due to decreased visibility and increased stopping distance. Keep at least five car lengths between you and the car in front of you, and don't be afraid to give even more space if conditions call for it. Avoid Standing Water Driving through standing water increases the odds of hydroplaning and creates an opportunity for water to enter your engine. Both of these are bad news, so avoid standing water when possible. If you're on a multi-lane road, drive in the middle lane, as it's higher than the outer lanes and less likely to accumulate water. If you do find yourself hydroplaning, let off the accelerator and gently steer in the direction you want to go. Don't slam on your brakes or jerk your steering wheel, as this may cause you to lose control. Never drive through water if you can't see the road markings underneath, or you risk getting stuck or swept away. Keep Your Tires in Good Condition A car with under-inflated tires or worn tire tread is at greater risk of an accident. If your tires aren't in good shape, you'll be more likely to hydroplane and you'll have trouble stopping in time on wet roads. Make sure you're not caught unprepared in a storm by ensuring that your tires have adequate tread and are inflated to the manufacturer's recommendation. Pull Over When Necessary Sometimes a storm is simply greater than what your car can safely handle. If your wipers can't keep up with the rain, if water is accumulating on the roadway, or if you're having trouble maintaining control of your vehicle, find a safe place to pull over and wait out the worst of the storm. Rain is a top cause of automobile accidents in the United States, and it's important to not underestimate the power of heavy rains. Follow these tips to improve your driving in heavy rain, and remember to always stay off the road in unsafe conditions.

As summer hits, it is important to keep an eye on your vehicle. Unfortunately, even though summer is great for many people, it's a tough time for your car. There are hazards you should watch out for. Make sure your car is protected this summer by safeguarding against hot weather, extra driving, and more. Protect the Interior When the sun is beating down on your parked vehicle, the car is susceptible to interior damage. Not only does it get extremely hot inside a parked car in the summer, the heat and light work together to fade your upholstery. Dashboards and steering wheels also fade over time because of the extra sunlight. There are steps you can take to ensure you keep the inside of your car looking great. First, use a windshield sunshade. Shades are easy to find at dealerships, auto parts stores, and even department stores. They usually fold, making them easy to store in the car. When using a sunshade, you're cutting down on the sun's rays and reducing the heat buildup in the car. Wipe your car down with commercial products that help protect against damage from the sun. You can find these at many of the same places you'll find sunshades. When using sun protection products, you are giving the car's surfaces an extra layer of protection. more Check the Battery and Fluids It's a smart idea to take your car to a dealership regularly during the summer to get a professional eye on the vehicle's mechanical workings. The mechanic can check the battery, fluids, and any other possible problem areas. Summer heat causes fluid evaporation, which can put extra strain on the battery. It's also important to make sure all fluids are topped off. One of the biggest concerns in the summer is having enough coolant in the engine. Make sure you ask your technician to check for any fluid leaks, especially around the coolant system. While it is possible to check fluid levels and battery life by yourself, having a trained technician do it gives you a better look at what's actually going on in the vehicle. He or she will be able to pinpoint any current or potential problems, keeping your car in great condition longer. Drive Smart Whether you're going on an extended road trip or simply heading to the park with the kids more often, it's likely that you drive more hours in the summer than other times of the year. Unfortunately, driving in extreme heat can be harmful to your car. Try to do most of your driving when it's cooler, early in the morning or after the sun sets. Driving when it's cool helps keep your car from overheating. Don't let your car be a huge source of stress this summer. Keep it protected from the perils of hot weather and sunshine. Take the time to have your mechanic or dealership thoroughly check out your car before the heat of summer fully hits, to ensure it's working at peak performance.

You know your car gets hot in the summer, and you know that there are several things— kids and pets, for example — you simply shouldn't leave in a hot car. However, you may not know there are many other things you shouldn't leave in your car as the temperature rises. Check out some of the most surprising items you should take with you when you leave the car. Medication If you're like many Americans, you probably have a stash of medications in your vehicle. From prescription meds to over-the-counter items such as Tylenol, many people try to keep medication on hand as often as possible. The problem is that the molecular structure of medications changes when you leave it in extremely hot temperatures. If you leave your medication in the car during the summer, it may become less effective or even lose all potency. In some cases, the heat can change the medication to such a degree that it affects you in strange ways. more Bottles of Water When it's hot outside, it is tempting to have water in the car. However, if you leave plastic bottles of water in the car, you may end up with several problems. First, the water gets hots, and who wants to drink hot water? However, the bigger problem is that when plastic bottles get hot, they start to break down. While it's unappealing to drink hot water when you're already warm, it's even more unappealing when you realize you could be drinking bits of plastic and the chemicals used to make the bottles. Electronic Devices Have you ever been tempted to leave your camera, phone, or portable DVD player in the car? While it seems easier to just leave these items in the vehicle for a few hours, it's not a good idea. Most manufacturers of electronic devices state their products are rated up to 113 degrees. In the summer, your car can easily top 130 degrees, which is significantly above and beyond the average rating. Unless you want your devices melting or simply not turning on the next time you want to use them, make sure to take them with you when you get out of the car. Pens Are you one of the many people who leave pens in their car for emergency writing needs? If so, you need to reconsider. Put your pens in a travel bag you take with you everywhere, rather than leaving them in the car. When a pen gets too hot, it may burst, getting ink everywhere. Don't put your upholstery through the trauma of an exploded pen. Keep ink out of your hot car this summer. Make sure to clean your car out before you leave it. Leaving any of these items, and many others, in a hot car ends only in disaster. From meltdowns to explosions and changes in molecular structure, the heat your car experiences is simply too much for most day-to-day products. Stay safe by keeping everything possible out of the car on a hot summer day. Image by Bradley Gordon via Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)